Medical device and method for treating skin disease

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for treating skin disease are disclosed. Heat is applied at a controlled temperature, for a predetermined period of time, to a skin lesion associated with a skin disease according to embodiments. The temperature used, according to embodiments, is in a range between about 46-62° C., and controlled within a narrow tolerance depending upon the nature of the skin treatment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of co-pending, commonlyassigned, patent application Ser. No. 10/428,253 entitled “MedicalDevice For Treating Skin Itch And Rash,” filed May 3, 2003, which itselfis a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/165,893entitled “Method And Apparatus For Treatment Of Skin Itch And Disease,”filed Jun. 10, 2002, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part ofthe application Ser. No. 09/758,706 filed on Jan. 11, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,635,075, which derives from a chain of continuations-in-partincluding Ser. No. 09/502,992 filed on Feb. 11, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,245,093, Ser. No. 09/183,639 filed on Oct. 30, 1998, now abandoned,and 08/698,323 filed on Aug. 14, 1996, now abandoned, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/254,273 filed Jun. 6,1994, now abandoned, and Ser. No. 08/131,987 filed Oct. 4, 1993, nowabandoned, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/601,196filed Feb. 14, 1996, now abandoned, Ser. No. 08/157,572 filed Nov. 24,1993, now abandoned, and original application Ser. No. 08/131,987 filedOct. 4, 1993 now abandoned. The earliest filing date of this applicationis hereby claimed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to methods and devices for the treatment ofinches, rashes, and skin-diseases, and particularly to such methods anddevices which effect such treatments by the application of heat atspecific temperatures and for specific periods of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Doctors know that UV light relieves psoriasis and eczema, but how?Useactivated vitamin D did not give the same effect. It is now known thatUV activates a group of genes called stress-genes, which produce stressproteins. These proteins are responsible for keeping the skin healthyand beautiful, and effectively clear up skin problems. Since UV can alsocause DNA damage, skin-cancer and skin aging, it is not the ideal meansto activate stress-genes. Many other forms of energy have been found tobe not only more powerful than UV in activating stress-genes, but alsomore effective at clearing up skin problems

Since heat is the safest energy, it does not cause DNA damage, orskin-cancer, and it is the most effect one in activate stress genes.Also, since the heat destroys toxins below the surface of the skin andshows the best results in clearing up skin-problems, the presentinvention is intended for the treatment of skin itch, skin rash, andrelated skin diseases by means of the controlled application of heat.

The use heat in the treatment of skin diseases has been known for a longtime folk remedies using heat exist in many different cultures, and theorigins of these remedies are often obscure.

However, the use of heat in the treatment of skin itch and rash isdifferent from such treatment for other skin problems. An article in theBritish Journal of Dermatology 122(4):501-12, 1990, by Benee A Glover,Cynthia S. Bailey, Kim E. Barrett, S. I. Wasserman and Irma Gifli, ofthe Division of Dermatology and Allergy Department of Medicine,University of CA, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif.entitled: Histamine release from rodent and human mast cells induced byproloporphyrin and ultraviolet light studies of the mechanism ofmast-cell activation in erythropoietic protoporphyria., deals with justthis issue. In a study reported therein, it was found that heating orprolonged heating at temperatures lower than 45° C. exacerbates skinitch and rash, but does not have any detrimental effect on most otherskin problems. Those temperature ranges found effective against itch andrash are generally in excess of 49° C., Sufficiently hot to result inpain if applied to the skin for more than 3 seconds.

Furthermore, for treating itch and rash the temperature must bemaintained at the superficial surface, that is not deeper than dermiswhere the mast cells are located. This must be done without burning theskin, or causing excessive discomfort. The mast cells must beinactivated, but the inner part tissues such as blood vessels must bemaintained at a safe temperature, thus avoiding edema and pain. This isso whether or not the inactivation of mast cells is the sole mechanismfor stopping itch. There is some variation of the best effectivetemperature for treating itch and rash, depending on factors which arediscussed below.

The inventor has found that different types of itches and rashes requiredifferent treatment temperatures. These best effective temperaturesdepend, inter alia, on whether the patient being treated is a child oran adult, and women or men, etc. All of the treatment temperaturesrequired, however, are within a range of about 10° C. It has been foundthat the use of these best effective temperatures, to within a toleranceof plus or minus one-half, effectively avoids side effects, such asedema and rebound of itch. And, for some adults, temperatures below 49°C. should be avoid, as they worsen itch and rash, rather than providingrelief. For some toddlers, temperatures above 49° C. should be avoid, asthey are too hot. These toddlers will not allow you to apply such aheat, and in the case of a metal heater, for enough time, such as for atleast 1-2 seconds, that is required to heat the dermis to the effectivetemperature. Therefore, the mast cells cannot be inactivated and theitch will be worsened. Temperatures around 49+/−0.5° C. have been fondoptimum for most children, as have temperatures of 51.5+/−0.8° C. foradults, and of 47+/−0.5° C. for toddlers and some temperature sensitivewomen, in the case of itch. The temperature needs better control fortemperature sensitive people, and areas, than for normal people. Avariation of +/−0.25° C. or even narrower may be better for them.

Different parts of the body have also been found to have different besteffective temperatures. For example, 50° C. is the best temperature fora child or an adult face, 52° C. for adult body and arm skin, and 54° C.for adult leg skin. If 50° C. is used for adult leg skin, which isthicker than the face skin, the itch will not be stopped, and sideeffects, such as edema and rebound of itch, may result. Furthermore,best effective temperature is also dependent upon the rate at which theskin is heated, and for that reason best effective temperature maychange with a change in the material actually in contact with the skin.The above temperatures are for a planar steel heating surface, with a 9volts and 350 mA power supply. Different power supplies may also causethe best effective temperatures to change.

New versions of the device are in development which will allowregulation of the temperature to take into account personal variationsof the best effective temperature.

Experimental results, as well as the report of Glover, et al., Id, makeit clear that the heating time of the skin should be as short aspossible, while still receiving the benefit required. Thus the directcontact of the heating element to the skin provides the most directmethod to effect an optimum treatment of this nature. This directcontact is accomplished in the present invention by a circular metalheat transfer surface of approximately one inch diameter. The directcontact also provides an advantage in controlling the speed to heat upthe skin. Some materials can control the amount of heat to pass to theskin in a timely manner. They will be used as the skin heater, or be puton the surface of the skin-heater, so as to heat the skin to the desiredtemperature in a desired time. This will avoid the pain and effectivelyclear up the itch. The reason for this is because if the skin is heatedup too fast, pain will result, and if heated too slowly, the itch willworsen.

At present, there exist a number of commercially available heating padsthat apply heat to the skin for therapeutic purposes. However, none ofthese is effective against skin itch and rash, because none of themaccurately and precisely apply the required temperatures for treatingitch and rash. These heating pads are intended to heat a large area ofthe body for more than 20 minutes. They have to provide temperatures notsignificantly higher than 43° C., otherwise, they will cause burning.There are also commercially available devices like our Electronic ItchStopper which is available at http://www.ItchStopper.com. They are allcovered by our prior applications before they came on the market.

Other apparatuses that are already known to heat the skin fortherapeutic purposes are as described, for example, in the documents ofU.S. Pat. No. 4,763,657 (Chen); U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,531 (Choi); and U.S.Pat. No. 4,907,589 (Cosman). None of these have provisions to preciselycontrol and maintain temperature, as required of the current invention.It is so obvious that U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,517 (Takenaka) cannot providea specific and a narrowed temperature, which is essential for skinitching problems and required of the current invention.

Other old methods of heat treatment for skin ailments include the use ofscalding water to heat the skin to stop itch. This method obviously cannot be done with the amount of control required to effect the besteffective temperature, or with control of the time of application. Forthese reasons, this method has been abandoned.

Our invention has shown great success both in our clinical trials and inpractical use by consumers in the treatment of insect bites, psoriasis,eczema, acne, hives, poison ivy/oak, dermatitis, allergic skin itching,renal failure skin itching, hepatitic skin itching, and all other skinitches. It erases the itch in seconds, and clears acute and chronic skinproblems quickly.

The apparatus disclosed in detail below is both practical and economicalto use. In addition to its preferred forms it may be made in a varietyof sizes and shapes.

The device includes easy-to-understanding instructions which specify thebest effective temperature for a variety of skin conditions, skin types,and ages. A light indicator located on the body of the invention flasheswhen the heater reaches the predetermined temperature commanded by thetemperature selector, and the user is instructed not to apply the heateruntil this indicator flashes. In alternate embodiments, a sonic signalis used to indicate that the devices has reached its operatingtemperature.

A further alternative embodiment includes a heating surface whichrepetitively retracts and extends. This automatic intermittentapplication of the heater is especially important when highertemperatures are required for the treatment, since higher temperaturerequire shorter application times, repeated at short intervals.

Because the effective temperature against itch can be so high as to beintolerable if applied for longer than 3 seconds, means are provided toheat the skin to the effective temperature range, such as 52° C., forabout 2 seconds and then let it cool down to a tolerable temperature,such as 47 1, C, for about half second. This process is repeated forbetween one to ten minutes in order to cure skin diseases.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is to make a heating apparatus work on skin itching, andother problems. Our apparatus has two unique features. First, theapparatus can provide a specific temperature such as 50° C. Second. thetemperatures is substantially unique which means its variation is sonarrow as to work for a unique case. It is a further object of thisinvention to provide such an apparatus which is simple, inexpensive, andportable.

An array of apparatus each comprises heating means providing one singlepredetermined specific temperature inside the range of about 46 to 62°C., the heating means are capable of raising the skin to the temperaturewithin a desired time such as within 10 seconds or 20 seconds, andmaintaining it at that temperature, control means to control the heatingmeans temperature within +/−about 2° C., 1° C., 0.5° C. or even 0.25° C.depend on specific treatments, a power source means to provide enoughenergy for the heating means. All of these are contained within ahousing comprising a contact end, with the heating means positioned inthe contact end. Each kind of apparatus in this array will provide asubstantially unique temperature for a specific treatment, such as oneprovides 47+/−0.5° C. for children, and another provides 51+/−0.8° C.for adults.

A more complicated one, in addition to the above means, comprisestemperature selection means within the range of 46 to 62° C. The aboveheating means can provide any single temperature in 46 to 62° C. Theselection means is also contained within the housing and are accessibleto the user.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a substantially planar heat transfer surface located at thecontact end, heated by said heating means. This surface is substantiallycircular, with a diameter of at least one-half inch. Material thatallows a desired amount of heat to pass to the skin in a desired timemay be used as the planar, or be put on the surface of it.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the apparatus furthercomprises signaling means to indicate that the user's skin is at theselected temperature, as well as means to select one of a multiplicityof temperatures, each such temperature comprising a best effectivetemperature for a particular treatment, and comprising means to controlskin temperature to within one-half degree centigrade.

According to a forth aspect of the invention, the heating means furthercomprises a slideably moveable heating surface positioned within thecontact end, said heating surface having an extended position in whichthe surface is in contact with the skin of the user and a retractedposition out of contact with the skin. Also included are means toposition the surface at either position and selection means to controlsaid motion.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the positioning andselection means provide a periodic motion of the heating surface, andthe selection means provides control of frequency and duty cycle of saidmotion.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the apparatus furthercomprises means to select one or more additional temperatures, so that,when cyclical operation is selected, heat will be alternately be appliedfirst at the first selected temperature, then at the second selectedtemperature, and so on until all the selected temperatures have beenapplied in sequence, then at the selected temperature, and repeatingindefinitely.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a grid at the contact end, said grid having a multiplicity ofapertures. The heat transfer surface contains a multiplicity ofprotrusions which extend through the grid apertures when the surface isin extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, and further features of the invention, may be better understoodwith reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depictingthe preferred embodiment, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in its firstpreferred embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a cross-section view of the model SM version of theinvention, a variation of the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a section view of the mechanical pulsation embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the selector switches (2A1-2A3) used tocontrol temperature selection, and operation of the mechanical pulsationand indirect heating embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit for the temperatureprobe/thermostat embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a section view of an alternate version of the temperatureprobe/thermostat embodiment, with alternative location of thethermostat.

FIG. 5 is a section view of the liquid-filled heating surfaceembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the indirect heating element embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A number of preferred embodiments of the invention are discussed in thissection.

The first preferred embodiment of the apparatus may be understood byreferring to FIG. 1, showing the invention is in the form of a hand-heldapparatus with self-contained power supply by means ofcommercially-available batteries. The apparatus includes an optionalprotective cap 2 and a housing 1 which contains all the remainingcomponents of the invention. A temperature selector 3 is locatedhalf-way up the body 1. This selector is of a rotary type which selectsthe best effective temperature in 1 degree-centigrade increments, towithin one-half-degree centigrade. A main power switch 4, turns power onand off. Light indicator 5 illuminates when the selected temperature hasbeen reached, and light indicator 5 b illuminates when power is on. Heatis applied to the skin through the heat application surface 6 a. Atemperature transducer 9 (shown in FIGS. 1B & 2), thermostat 7 (FIG. 2),are located directly adjacent to the heat application surface, so thatthe temperature detected is essentially that of the user's skin duringapplication. The batteries 17 (FIG. 1B) which serve as the power source8 (FIG. 2) are located within lower portion of the housing. Batteriesare replaced by means of a screw-on cap 15, at the bottom end of thehousing.

In the case of an array of apparatus, we will remove the above thetemperature selector 3 and make each kind of apparatus in the array toprovide a single temperature.

The temperature selector 3 is used in such a manner as to enable usersto directly select one best effective temperature for the heater. Itprovides for selection of two or more predetermined temperatures.Different versions of this embodiment are provided for different rangesof temperatures, depending upon general application.

The heat application surface may be made of a number of differentmaterials. A heat conductive metal is one of the preferred materials,especially when used in conjunction with a magnetic-induction typeheater, as is the case with the first preferred embodiment. The surfacemay alternatively be covered by a non-heat-conducting coating, ormaterial, such as a thin layer of rubber, in order to reduce pain byreducing the conduction speed of the heat to the skin. Many users aremore comfortable when the temperature rises gradually to the besteffective temperature. Such a gradual temperature rise is found to beequally effective as a rapid rise, in regard to the curing of skin itchand rashes.

A variation of the first preferred embodiment is shown as FIG. 1B, andcorresponds to a commercially-offered version of this invention, modelSM, as mentioned above. In this cross-section view, the batteries areshow as the commonly used “AA” cells, with three such cells 17 mountedwithin the housing 1 as described above. The electronics used to controlthe device are mounted on circuit board 18, located in the upper part ofthe housing as shown. In model SM, there is a third indicator light 5 c,mounted on the circuit board together with indicator lights 5 and 5 b.In this implementation, the indicators represent “Ready”5, “Child 5 c”,and “Adult”5 b. In the implementation of FIG. 1B the switch 4 has threepositions, corresponding to off, “Child”, and “Adult”. The Adult andChild switch positions correspond to two different temperatures, thoughtto be optimum for eczema and psoriasis, for children and adults,respectively. When either Child or Adult position is selected, the Readylight indicates that the apparatus has reached the selected temperature.In this embodiment, the heat application surface presents a flat,circular surface flush with the contact end of the housing, as shown inFIG. 1B. This surface has a diameter of approximately ⅜ inch.

The heating transfer surface in this embodiment is combined with theheating element itself in one integral unit. The circuit board containscontrol electronics which supplies current to the heating elementthrough cable 23 when the temperature sensed is below the temperaturecommanded by temperature selector 3. If the temperature reaches orexceeds the temperature commanded, the current is discontinued. Thecontrol electronics provide a smooth response profile (i.e. temperaturevs. time), with a minimum of overshoot, to a precision of plus or minusone-half degree centigrade.

A second commercially-available version of this invention, Model LDpreviously described, is very similar to this first preferredembodiment, except that Model LD has a cord allowing the device toplugged into a normal household utility outlet. The heat transfersurface in this version is metal, and presents a flat, circular plateflush with the contact end, as in Model SM. However, the diameter of thesurface in Model LD is approximately one inch. This greater surface areaallows application to a larger skin area, and is facilitated by the highpower available from using house current as a power source.

Model LD also provides only two indicator lights, indicating “ON/OFF”,and “READY”. Current version of the Model LD allows 5 temperatureselections with the temperature selector.

In one of the variations of this first preferred embodiment, theselector switch allows the user to chose one of many different discretetemperatures within the range of the apparatus. This switch is used inplace of the three-position switch of FIG. 1B, and is shown in FIG. 2A1. The switch contains a rotor 19, with a pointer 20 to indicate whichof the positions is selected. The switch has allowing the selection ofone of the temperatures indicated, with one of the positions being“OFF”. Only two indicator lights are used in conjunction with thisvariation: “ON” and “READY.” Illumination of the “READY” indicatorindicates that the apparatus has reached the selected temperature.

The electronic implementation of the apparatus can take many forms. Manydifferent methods of heating are available, and the art of heat controlsystems for small appliances is well developed. FIG. 3 depicts theoperation of the apparatus in one implementation in the form of anelectrical schematic. The power source in the form of a battery 8, isconnected through switch 4 in series with indicator light 5 b to thetemperature transducer 9, and heater 6. The multi-position switch 3selects one of several contacts which detect different positions alongthe transducer corresponding to different temperatures. When theselected temperature is reached, the transducer makes an electricalconnection with the rest of the system, allowing the “READY” indicator 5a to illuminate. The temperature transducer in FIG. 3 is temperatureprobe 9 filled with mercury. When the heater is at lower than theselected temperature, the thermostat allows the maximum current to gothrough the heating element. When the heater reaches the selectedtemperature, the mercury will serve as a conductor to divide andtherefore reduce the heater current, thereby reducing it sufficiently tomaintain the selected temperature.

A second preferred embodiment of the current invention is depicted inFIG. 2. In this embodiment the heat transfer surface/heater combinationis slidingly mounted in a channel 22 within the contact end of theapparatus. The heater has an extended position, in which the heater isin contact with the skin of the user, and a retracted position in whichthe heater is withdrawn within the channel. The heater is driven betweenits two positions by a positioning mechanism 11, which consists of amotor/crank combination in this embodiment. An alternative variationuses a solenoid as a positioning mechanism in place of the motor/crankactuator.

In this embodiment the temperature selection/detection control moves theheater against the skin of the user, and away from the skin in arepetitive manner, at a rate controlled by the user by means of twoselector switches. One such switch controls the rate at which the heatermoves against the skin, in seconds per cycle, as depicted in FIG. 2A 2.The second switch controls the duration of the application, in seconds,as depicted in FIG. 2A 3. The ratio of the duration of the applicationto the time between applications is called the “duty cycle”.

It has been found that such a pulsating application of heat is bettertolerated by many users than a prolonged application of heat in constantcontact with the skin. Toleration varies widely from one individual toanother. This embodiment allows users to regulate the duty cycle of theapplication to suit their individual needs.

A variation of this embodiment includes a grid 10 at the contact end ofthe apparatus, and in contact with the skin of the user duringapplication. The heat application surface contains raised projectionswhich mate with the grid, and protrude through the grid when the heateris in the extended position, so that these projections are in contactwith the skin in this position. This grid provides a safety mechanismwhen the heating element is retracted. It also allows the temperaturedetector to be located in the grid itself, which is in contact with theskin, thus providing an more accurate measure of skin temperature.

The third embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 that omits the positioning means11 and the grid 10 of the above mentioned embodiment. In this case, alight indicator 5 that will be turned on or will flash or will changecolor after the heater reaches the selected temperature will be includedin this apparatus to replace the omitted elements 10 and 11 to ensureonly said best effective temperature is used. Also in this case saidheater is fixed at said contact end and said intermittent application ofheat is performed manually. It would be possible to omit the lightindicator 5 if a strong and stable power source, together with a goodheat-transfer material for the heat transfer surface are used, providingrapid heating of the transfer surface to the desired temperature, andmaintaining of that temperature.

The fourth embodiment as omits the temperature selector of the secondembodiment. In this embodiment the heater is fixed at one exact besteffective temperature, selected for a specific skin condition.

In a fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a heat-conducting liquid isused to maintain the temperature within the heat transfer surface whichcontacts the user's skin. The liquid used is preferably one with a highspecific heat, such as oils of various types. The material need not beliquid at room temperature, so long as it liquefies at the besteffective temperature. The advantage of this method is that thetemperature and the sensing device may be located at any point withinthe liquid, or in proximity to the liquid, simplifying the design andmanufacture of the apparatus. The high specific heat of the liquid, aswell as the mobility of the molecules within the liquid, produces auniform temperature within the body of the liquid. In contrast, metalsmay exhibit a thermal gradient between the area in proximity with theheater and the area in proximity with the skin, making accuratetemperature control more difficult. Referring to FIG. 5, the heatingelement 6 is immersed in the heat transfer liquid 14, while temperatureis sensed by the transducer 9, also immersed within the liquid. Theliquid is contained within the heater head 25, which may be flexible orsemi-rigid. A flexible material provides the advantages of allowingapplication of heat to a non-planar area of the skin, such as theshoulder or face. The heater head may be made of any material, such asplastic or rubber, which is soft to the touch and does not abrade theskin, the head is of a generally spherical, or ellipsoidal shape.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the remainder of this embodiment is similarto the first preferred embodiment. An external power source is used, asindicated by the utility plug 28. Indicator lights 5 and 5 b are used toindicate power on, and “READY”, as in previous embodiments. Amulti-position selector switch 3 is used to select one of several besteffective temperatures. Because of the use of an external power source,the heat transfer surface may be significantly larger than in theembodiments powered by self-contained batteries.

In a sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, laser, microwave, sonicsound, and infrared radiation may also be used as a heat source for thisinvention. Such indirect heat sources require special means to detectheat at the surface of the skin. One recommended method is toincorporate the temperature transducer in a wall means 12 located at thecontact end of the apparatus, as shown in FIG. 6, which depicts a sixthpreferred embodiment of the invention. In this case, the heater sourcewill be set behind the opening at the contact end. The heater shouldprovide a heating energy that is high enough to heat the skin to aneffective temperature within about 1-2 seconds. A wall means 12, such asa grid, is located at this opening to prevent direct contact of the skinto the heat source 6, as well as to prevent the user from accidentallyplacing his fingers, or other objects, in contact with the heat sourceburning. In this embodiment, the temperature transducer 9 should belocated within the wall means, in order to accurately measure thetemperature at the skin of the user.

This embodiment further provides intermittent heating means withoutrequiring a position control mechanism. Intermittent application of theheat to the skin by this method is done by switching the heat source onand off, an alternative method to that of the second preferredembodiment, which uses motor-crank mechanism, or solenoid to physicallymove the heat transfer surface against the skin, and periodicallyretract the surface. In the seventh embodiment, the apparatus includes aselector switch allowing the user to vary the duty cycle of the heatapplication, similar to that of the second preferred embodiment. Thetemperature transducer located in the wall means senses the temperatureat the surface of the skin, and controls heat source so that the skintemperature reaches the temperature commanded by the temperatureselector switch 3 at the times commanded by the duty cycle selectors.

A further variation of the invention involves a two chambered pouch thatcontains one chemical solution in one chamber and another solution inthe second chamber. Upon application of pressure through twisting orpressing, the solutions will mix within a third chamber, located withinthe contact end, thereby heating the surface of the contact end. Inanother embodiment two chemical solutions would be kept separately in abottle. Upon spraying or pouring the solution onto the skin the chemicalsolutions get mixed, resulting in a chemical reaction that provides heatbefore reaching the skin surface. Strength of the solution would bepredetermined such as to provide a specific temperature of a specificrange of temperature in 46 C-62° C. The duration of heat is controlledby including in the solution alcohol or a similar chemical that willrapidly cool the surface within a brief predetermined time period. Theend result is that the skin is rapidly heated to a temperature and thenrapidly cooled.

An additional embodiment requires the use of a single chemical solution,located within an application vessel, to which a catalyst is added justprior to application. The catalyst may be positioned in a spray orpouring spout of the application vessel, such that the chemical solutionmust pass through the catalyst when the solution is either sprayed orpoured. Upon spraying or pouring, the chemical solution in combinationwith the catalyst is mixed with oxygen in the atmosphere and a chemicalreaction occurs providing heat at the skin surface. Still anotherembodiment would require the use of an electrical heater to heat amedical solution, volatile liquid, or gas to a specific temperature of aspecific range of temperature in the range of 46-62° C., 49-62° C. or50-69° C. The liquid may also become steam or gas in this temperature.The heated spray, heated medical solution, heated steam, or gas, issprayed onto the skin either continuously or intermittently by manual orautomatic operation. The head of the sprayer may be made small and longenough to facilitate the application of the heated spray onto themembrane inside the nose for treating itch within the nose. Thermostaticmeans for controlling the temperature of the spray or the liquidtemperature are included in the sprayer.

The improvement method comprising heating a body heater as may berequired to maintain said body heater at a substantially consistenttemperature at and during the time of treatment of the skin areaaffected, said substantially uniform temperature being a predeterminedtemperature or a predetermined temperature range in ranges of about49-69° C., 52-62° C., 52-69° C., 53-62° C., 50-62° C., 49-53° C., 54-56°C., 57-62° C., 50-70° C., or 56-62° C., and equal to a best effectivetemperature of a specific case; continually monitoring the temperatureof the body heater to determine when and the degree of heat to be addedto the body heater and to determine when adding of heat is to bediscontinued; controlling the supply of power to the body heater inaccordance with heat requirements determined by said temperaturemonitoring, and applying the body heater to the skin area that needtreatment either continuously or discontinuously. Continually monitoringthe temperature of the body heater within about +/−0.5° C. or +/−1° C.of said predetermined temperature, providing of selections oftemperature, and indicating readiness to use will be included and thesewill help to eliminate edema, and rebound of itch. The body heater canbe dry and wet, such as a wet ribbon heater or a wet towel heater.

Another improvement method comprising using a body heater to heat anskin area as may be required to maintain said skin area at asubstantially constant temperature at and during the time of treatingsaid skin area affected, said substantially uniform temperature being apredetermined temperature or a narrow range of temperature in ranges ofabout 49-69° C., 52-62° C., 52-69° C., 53-62° C., 50-62° C., 49-53° C.,54-56° C., 57-62° C., 50-70° C., or 56-62° C., and equal to a besteffective temperature of a specific case; continually monitoring thetemperature of the skin area to determine when and the degree of heat tobe added to the skin area and to determine when adding of heat is to bediscontinued; and controlling the supply of heating power to the skinarea in accordance with heat requirements either manually orautomatically, or determined by said temperature monitoring. Continuallymonitoring the temperature of the skin area within about +/−1° C. ofsaid predetermined temperature will help to eliminate edema and reboundof itch. Heating the skin area discontinuously as monitored by acontrolling means to heat the skin area to a specific narrow range oftemperature in the above ranges and let the skin area to cool down to atolerable temperature, repeating the heating and cooling until finishingthe treatment, to avoid and minimizing any discomfort of heating theskin. The body heater can be dry and wet, such as a wet ribbon heater ora wet towel heater.

It will be apparent that improvements and modifications may be madewithin the purview of the invention without departing from the scope ofthe invention defined in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: a heater adapted to heat a skin surface; atemperature controller that regulates the heater to a selected effectivetemperature that has been selected to effectively treat a specific skincondition afflicting the skin area; a power source providing energy tooperate the heater; and a housing having a contact end, the heaterpositioned within the contact end, the temperature controller locatedwithin the housing, and the power source means connected to or in thehousing.
 2. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the selected effectivetemperature is in a range of about 49 to 62° C.
 3. The apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising signaling means to indicate that the heaterhas reached the selected effective temperature.
 4. The apparatus as inclaim 3, further comprising a selector adapted to permit a user tochoose a second selected effective temperature that is selected to treatthe specific skin condition for a different skin location or a differenttype of patient.
 5. The apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising askin contact surface disposed at the contact end, and heated by theheater; and a temperature sensor disposed proximate the skin contactsurface to provide feedback to the temperature controller to maintainthe skin contact surface at the selected effective temperature within atolerance of about ±1° C.
 6. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein thespecific skin condition comprises a skin itch and disease selected fromthe group consisting of acne, herpes, rash, eczema, psoriasis,dermatitis, systemic skin itch, hives, poison ivy, poison oak, andinsect bites.
 7. A device comprising: a heating element; a heat transfersurface heated by the heating element; and a control system to regulatethe temperature of the heat transfer surface at a preset temperature totreat a specific skin condition.
 8. The device as in claim 7, whereinthe specific skin condition is acne.
 9. The device as in claim 7,wherein the preset temperature is in a range of about 46 to 62° C., andthe control system is configured to maintain the heating element at thepreset temperature within a tolerance of about ±1° C.
 10. The device asin claim 7, further comprising an energy source for the heating element.11. The device as in claim 7, further comprising a user interfacecomprising a power control switch and at least one of a visual indicatorand an audio indicator.
 12. The device as in claim 7, wherein the heattransfer surface and the heating element are one integral unit.
 13. Thedevice as in claim 7, further comprising a material covering the heattransfer surface that allows a desired amount of heat to pass to a skinsurface in contact with the material.
 14. The device as in claim 7,wherein the control system comprises a temperature detector disposed ator near the heat transfer surface to monitor the temperature of the heattransfer surface.
 15. A method comprising: applying a skin contactsurface of an apparatus to a skin area afflicted with a specific skinproblem to deliver a therapeutically effective quantity of heat energyto the skin contact surface, such that the skin area in contact with theskin contact surface is raised to, and maintained at, a predeterminedtemperature selected to treat the specific skin problem; and maintainingthe skin area at the predetermined temperature for a period of time totreat the specific skin problem.
 16. The method as in claim 15, whereinthe period of time is greater than 15 seconds.
 17. The method as inclaim 15, wherein the predetermined temperature is in a range of about46 to 62° C. and the skin area is maintained at the predeterminedtemperature within a tolerance of about ±1° C.
 18. The method as inclaim 15, further comprising monitoring a skin temperature of the skinarea and controlling delivery of the therapeutically effective quantityof heat energy to the skin contact surface to maintain the skin area atabout the predetermined temperature.
 19. The method as in claim 15,wherein the skin problem is selected from the group consisting of acne,herpes, rash, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, systemic skin itch, hives,poison ivy, poison oak, and insect bites.
 20. An apparatus comprising: atemperature selector that enables selection by a user of an effectivetherapeutic temperature from two or more preset therapeutictemperatures, each preset therapeutic temperature providing atherapeutically effective treatment for treating a specific skincondition; and a heat application surface configured to be heated to theeffective therapeutic temperature selected by the user and to be placedagainst a skin area for treatment of the specific skin condition. 21.The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein each of the two or more presettemperatures has been predetermined to treat one of two or more specificskin conditions.
 22. The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein each of thetwo or more preset temperatures has been preset to treat a differentlocation of the skin area on a patient's body.
 23. The apparatus as inclaim 20, wherein each of the two or more preset temperatures has beenpreset to treat a different type of patient.
 24. The apparatus as inclaim 20, wherein the two or more preset therapeutic temperatures arewithin a range of about 46 to 62° C.
 25. The apparatus as in claim 20,further comprising a temperature controller configured to maintain theheat application surface at the effective therapeutic temperature withina tolerance of about ±1° C.
 26. The apparatus as in claim 20, whereinthe heat application surface is adapted to provide sufficient thermaltransfer capacity and to provide sufficient thermal contact with theskin area so that from the time that contact is established between theheat application surface at the effective therapeutic temperature andthe skin area, the skin area temperature reaches the effectivetherapeutic temperature within about three seconds.
 27. An apparatuscomprising: a contact end; a heat source to heat a skin area in contactwith the contact end, the heat source being controlled to deliver one ormore pulses of heat to the skin area to heat the skin area to aneffective temperature for treating a specific skin condition on the skinarea; and a power source providing energy to operate the heat source.28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the heat source raises the mediantemperature of the skin area to within a range of about 46 to 62° C. 29.The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a temperature sensoradapted to control the temperature of the heat source and locatedproximate to the contact end. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein thecontact end comprises a grid that provides variable points of higher andlower temperature.